City High Middle School Locked Down After Threat

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – City High Middle School was placed on lockdown Wednesday after a staff member discovered a threatening voicemail left over from Tuesday.

Michael Pascoe, the principal of the school, sent out a letter to parents this morning informing them that the message left on the voicemail of a faculty member at about 6:00 p.m. Tuesday night included inappropriate language and threats. The employee notified the schools public safety team, which resulted in a delayed opening of the school while the public safety team and the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) investigated.

The school also conducted a random drug and weapon search. The principal said in the letter that the search had been planned for weeks as part of their safety prevention program. Once students settled in at the school they were placed under a code yellow lockdown to ensure the mobility of drug and weapons dogs during the search. Nothing was found during the investigation.

The school has determined that the message left on Tuesday was a prank and that no real threat exists at the school.

The GRPD is still working with the school to determine who made the call. The school said all appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, including possible long-term suspension or expulsion.

The principal concluded his letter by commending students, teachers and support staff for how well they handled the situation.

For more information contact the schools principal at 616-819-2380 or email pascoem@grps.org.